We Are On Site: A Sneak Peek at the Paris Badminton Olympic Venue

dd yy September 6, 2024 2 0

On March 5, 2024, the French Open commenced with the backdrop of a continuous spring rain at the Adidas Arena. As the official venue for the badminton events of the Paris Olympics in July, the French Open’s start also opened the doors for players and spectators eager to see the venue. This Super 750 badminton tournament, typically held in October, was moved to early March to serve as a “test event” before the Olympics. Top players from various countries are using this week in Paris to get a feel for the venue, familiarize themselves with the surroundings, and deepen their understanding.

Sneak Peek at the Paris Badminton Olympic Venue

The Adidas Arena, located in northern Paris, was initially designed to host badminton and rhythmic gymnastics for the Olympics, as well as badminton and weightlifting for the Paralympics. It is also the only new venue constructed in the capital for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The arena can accommodate 8,000 spectators, and on the first day of the French Open, it already saw a good turnout. A significant number of young badminton enthusiasts came to watch, adding to the lively atmosphere. After each match, the stands above the athletes’ entrance were filled with fans of all ages, calling out to their favorite players for autographs on notebooks and jerseys.

The Charm of the Paris Badminton Olympic Venue

In typical European fashion, the Adidas Arena’s stage-like design features simple and clear French flag colors embedded in a dark blue background, with subtle badminton elements integrated into the scenery. The dimmed stands highlight the court’s striking appeal. This venue, touted as a “city cultural landmark that blends music, sports, culture, and lifestyle,” once again showcases the French flair for fashion and sports.

Players’ First Impressions

For the international players eager to understand the Paris Olympic venue, adapting to the competition on the official court ahead of the Olympic qualifiers is a valuable simulation. Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, in their first match against a weaker Canadian duo, secured a swift 2-0 victory and expressed hope that this tournament would set a positive tone for Paris. “Although there are over four months until the Olympics, experiencing real competition in the official venue is incredibly precious. We hope to be more accurate in our performance.”

Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi, who won their first match 2-1, shared their thoughts on playing at the Olympic venue. Liu Yuchen admitted that he felt both excited and nervous and wanted to work harder with his partner to secure their Olympic spot. Ou Xuanyi shyly expressed his hope to see himself and his partner on this court in July.

Li Shifeng, born after 2000, advanced with a stable performance, winning 2-0. He said that playing in the Paris Olympic venue, with its dimmed stands, gave him a strong sense of atmosphere. Looking ahead to this summer, Li hopes to “forge ahead” in this arena.

Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, the last Chinese pair to appear on the first day, faced a tough match. Despite not being in their best form, their persistence in fighting for every point allowed them to once again feel the explosive desire to win at the Adidas Arena.

Looking Forward to the Paris Olympic Games

What kind of spectacular Olympic event will we witness in Paris this July? For badminton enthusiasts, the Adidas Arena has already showcased thrilling matches this week.